Ulster Rugby to install Kingpsan memorial to Anthony Foley

Gareth Hanna

Ulster Rugby are set to unveil a memorial to Anthony Foley at the Kingspan Stadium.

The Munster Head Coach unexpectedly passed away on Sunday and Ulster are keen to repay the support shown to them after Nevin Spence’s death four years ago.

That will take the form of a permanent commemoration inside the away changing room at the Kingspan stadium. Ulster Rugby are hoping to unveil the memorial when the sides go head to head in the Guinness Pro12 on Friday October 28.

“When Nevin Spence died four years ago, the first person on the phone to me was Gareth Fitzgerald, who is my counterpart in Munster,” explained Ulster Rugby CEO Shane Logan. “He was a tremendous support to me and to many others.

“He asked if it would be ok for Munster to put a plaque permanently into the away changing room to remember Nevin Spence.

“I asked Rory Best and some of the senior players and they were very pleased and honoured that Munster would make such a tangible contribution to us.

“So it’s our intention to do the same and have a permanent memorial to Anthony Foley in our away changing room.

“I want to pay tribute to Anthony Foley, Munster Head Coach, Irish Rugby legend and all round excellent individual. We would like to pay our respects and condolences to all in Munster but particularly to his wife Olive and his two children from all of Ulster Rugby.

“We perhaps more than anyone know the tragedy of having a tremendous life cut short unexpectedly so I hope that we are well placed to provide symathy and support in the same way as they and everybody in the rugby community did for us.”

The match against Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium could be Munster’s first game since Foley passed away, should their scheduled match at home to Glasgow this weekend be postponed.

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